What’s New In Games This Week

A fairly interesting selection this week. First, a hotly anticipated piece of DLC… which PS3 users will not be able to partake in. Second, a racing game that’s great in single player, but it would be nice to go head to head online, wouldn’t it? Third, something that came out for the PSN a while ago is finally available for XBLA, and considering that multiplayer is a must for the title… you now where I’m going with this. And finally, a XBLA exclusive!

Call Of Duty: Black Ops Escalation

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The much talked about second round of downloadable content for Call of Duty: Black Ops is finally here. And what exactly is the buzz all about? Well, for those living under a rock, in addition to four new multiplayer maps, Zoo, Hotel, Convey, and Stockpile (no real explanations needed; pretty sure their names speak for themselves), you’ve got Call of the Dead, yet another zombie infested zone. Though the real kicker are the four playable characters: Danny Trejo, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Robert Englund and Michael Rooker! It’s a loving tribute to the master of zombie flicks, George Romero, hence the name for the map: “Call of the Dead”. George also makes an appearance as a zombie you get to blast away. Xbox 360, PS3, PC


MotorStorm: Apocalypse

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The third game in the MotorStorm franchise is finally here (well, the fourth, but the PSP/PS2 version hardly counts). It’s been a long time coming, due to numerous delays across various regions… it’s been out already in some parts of the world, but got held back in others, due to the earthquake in Japan (where it’s release has been put on-hold indefinitely). Much of it has to do with the locale, which in this instance is the San Fran Bay Area, and what’s happened to it specifically. It’s a post-apocalyptic landscape, one that’s been turned into the ultimate playground for assorted vehicles, ranging from two to four wheels, which changes dynamically, depending on what’s going on. Not only do you have to deal with those you’re racing, but outside forces are eager to screw it up for everyone. The game this time around includes a far heavier emphasis on story, so expect the unexpected.PS3


Bangai-O HD: Missile Fury

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Ever hear of the name Bangai-O? Probably not, very few have. But for those of us familiar, we’re well aware of past iterations for the N64, Dreamcast, and Nintendo DS, all of which involved controlling a tiny little mech in the center of the screen, and causing massive damage everywhere else. If there was ever an old-school game that deserved a high definition face-life, it’s Bangai-O, and someone’s obviously listened! As noted, you fly around and blow stuff up. “Missile Fury” isn’t in the title because it sounds cool; you’ll be launching hundreds of projectiles at the same time, over and over and over again. Will you enjoy it? Most assuredly, yes! Xbox 360


Moon Diver

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Pretty much everything one found in the PS3 version that came out a few weeks ago can be found here. But if you didn’t get it for Sony’s machine upon its release, you’re out of luck due to the PSN debacle that’s not quite close to being resolved. Meaning you won’t be able to nab it anytime soon, and even if you already have a copy there’s no means to play online, which the game basically demands. Otherwise, expect to die a LOT. Thankfully, there’s no such online woes for Xbox 360 owners.Xbox 360